A. Alvars were 12 Tamil poet-saints of South India who were deeply immersed in devotion to Lord Vishnu between the 6th and 9th centuries.

C. Those who worshipped abstract form of God.

[Solved] Alvars: The Tamil Vaishnava Poet-Saints Explained

Who were Alvars?

[CDS 2019 (II)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The early medieval Bhakti movement in South India was led by two groups of wandering poet-saints who composed hymns in the Tamil language.

Authentic Source Evidence

The Alvars (literally 'those who are immersed' in the divine) were 12 saints who dedicated their lives to the devotion of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option A is correct. Their hymns are collected in the Nalayira Divyaprabandham.

Logic 2: Devotees of Shiva (B) are the Nayanars. Those who worshipped the abstract form (C) were later Nirguna saints. Devotees of Shakti (D) are Shakta practitioners.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Who was the most famous female Alvar?"

Andal, who considered herself the bride of Lord Vishnu and composed the Tiruppavai.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Alvars democratized religion by making intense, emotional devotion in a local language (Tamil) more important than Sanskrit rituals."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

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